Forum

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

This is my first post, I was hoping that it would be a happier one! I am a first time, excited and enthusiastic bunny owner, and I just picked up my 2 month old standard rex, stewie, today and brought him home. I have spent months and months reading about how to take care of a house rabbit, and acquiring necessary supplies, reading forums, etc, but apparently didn't research what to do in case of emergencies.

The first few hours at home were going well, Stewie was loving his new cage and home, running around, eating and drinking. All of a sudden I started hearing him making strange little gasping sounds, and noticed he was drooling. I frantically googled "choking/drooling rabbit" and found another forum with instructions on how to safely do a bunny heimlich. I am a biologist and know a fair about about animal handling, however not specifically bunnies, so I knew that it was important to ensure that his spine was stabilized while I was doing it to prevent further injury. He did not seem to like the few strokes of the heimlich (unsuprisingly), and seemed to kind of be making little peeps of protest, but not horrible squealing or anything. Anyways, I put him down, observed him for a while. He was justifiably flustered after the ordeal and breathing really heavy, but now that he is calmed down, he seems to be grooming himself fine, not drooling anymore and now is sleeping.

I am just terrified of A. leaving him, even though he appears fine now and B. that this will happen again. C. that he will hate me forever because of it. If anyone could tell me if they have had similar experiences, and what I should do in the future if it happens, also how to prevent it? I read that choking on pellets is a common problem. However I know that the breeder I picked him up from solely fed him pellets and hay, and gave vegetables/fruit as treats. Not sure how I should be treating him differently with feeding schedules/types of food since he is still so young. I seem to find conflicting views on whether you should introduce vegetables this young or keep them on all pellet/hay diets.

Thank you all in advance for your help, it is much appreciated, as my heart is beating faster than the poor bunnies is right now!

Sarita(Dallas)

Forum Leader

18277 posts

10/20/2012 11:47 AM

He won't hate you - I do wonder what he choked on, it's not normal for rabbits to choke. Choking on pellets really should not be at all common.

If he has been getting fruit and veggies then it is perfectly fine to continue to do so. The reasoning for the recommendation of pellets and hay at a young age are based on the assumption that is what the mother is eating (as you sometimes do not know the mother or the babies diet prior to getting them) so if he has already been introduced, it is perfectly fine.

My recommendation though would be to schedule a vet visit soon to have a thorough well rabbit check up including a fecal test and have the vet check out those teeth because of the choking (that is not normal).

RabbitPamSouth Florida

Forum Leader

10636 posts

10/20/2012 12:19 PM

I agree that you should get an appt. with your vet asap. You want to know if his teeth are OK. And the vet should check out his throat in case there is any other form of a blockage or even swelling. Might want an xray. Just that choking is unusual and I would want to know if it's a one time thing or a condition that needs treatment.

Have your people call my people. We'll do carrots.

RobertaWanneroo, Western Australia

3838 posts

10/20/2012 1:20 PM

Have a good check around his hutch and play area too. See if there is anything that he may have chewed on that is not good for him I.E. Plastic, laminated surfaces...

bullrider76543Joplin MO

1291 posts

10/20/2012 1:58 PM

It looks likes like you have gotten the best advice anyone can give. I wish you the best and hope that you have an easier time as a new bunny parent

SFbunnylove

4 posts

10/20/2012 7:28 PM

Thank you all for your quick help! Talked to the breeder on the phone to see if she had any advice and we decided it was most likely the bedding that I was using (papery/cardboard looking one), which the lady at the pet store highly recommended...guess I should have second guessed that one! The breeder said that she has learned the hard way that rabbits will try to eat and sometimes choke on that type of bedding. Bedding is switched and Stewie seems to be happier!

You are not authorized to post a reply or you have not verified your email address.